Wurzer seized the opportunity, leading Pinckney to a 7-2 regular season and a second-place finish in its final season in the KLAA West. The versatile signal caller earned second-team all-county behind only Howell’s record-setting Ryan Brennan.

With 11 starts, including two in the state playoffs, Wurzer enters 2017 as a savvy veteran who hopes to improve upon last year’s success.

“It’s a lot different,” he said. “I know the offense like the back of my hand this year, so I can kind of focus on helping some other guys out who don’t know it as well, instead of learning it by myself.”

Jack Wurzer(Photo: Bill Khan/Livingston Daily)

When Wurzer’s playing days are over, he has an open invitation to join the coaching staff at Pinckney.

“He’s an extension of coach (Cody) Patton, our offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, and what coach (Jesse) Cogswell is doing on offense,” Beaton said. “He knows exactly what we want to do on everything. We ask a lot of our quarterbacks. We put a lot of pressure on them.

“Jack has definitely stepped up. He’s watching more film. He’s doing all the things to get himself in position. He’s mentoring other young guys in the program.”

Wurzer poses a dual threat. He was 88-for-179 for 1,420 yards, 11 touchdowns and six interceptions last season while running 117 times for 559 yards and three touchdowns.

“When things break down or things aren’t going well, Jack has got the feet to be able to do things,” Beaton said. “That adds another level to what he can do for us as a quarterback.”

Wurzer has some speedy targets in Nick Cain and Alex Wasyl, who helped Pinckney set a county record in the 800-meter relay during track season. Getting the ball into their hands will be a priority.

“These guys, you can just throw a 4-yard route and have them run for 80 yards,” Wurzer said. “I have a lot of confidence in them. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”